During Kristi's childhood, she spent every summer with her aunt who directed a camp in Arizona.  Attending camp for fifteen years instilled a love for the camp experience and guided her choice of careers.

Born in Indiana and raised in Altadena, California she attended San Diego State University and graduated in 1969 with a degree in elementary education. She met Ross and they were married in 1968 and together they formed a team that loved working with children. Kristi is the co-founder of Guided Discoveries. She has managed the business operations of the organization since its beginning.

Kristi and Ross raised their three children on Catalina Island and moved them to Claremont to attend high school. All of their children have attended camp and it has been a major influence in their lives. All three have graduate degrees and are pursuing their own passions. Kristi loves her family and her role as a grandmother.

Since 1976 Kristi helped develop the vision and leadership that expanded Guided Discoveries. Operating Guided Discoveries has provided Kristi the opportunity to develop a variety of skills necessary to run a non-profit organization.

Kristi is also involved with professional and community organizations. She is a member of the Western Association of Independent Camps, American Camp Association, and the Association of Independent Camps. She has worked on a variety of committees for these organizations. Kristi was on the board of directors for the Catalina Island Museum Society.

Kristi has dedicated her life to working with children and together with her husband Ross, they have developed a vision to create unique educational programs that make a difference in the lives of children.

“I love the idea of working with the children and imparting knowledge about the ocean and all of its plants and animals. Taking the students snorkeling for the first time and hearing their laughter and screaming as they discover the beauty of the ocean. I also enjoy working with our young staff who are just out of college and how they discover the fun and satisfaction of teaching our students about the natural world.”